Regino Sainz de la Maza

Regino Sainz de la Maza (1896–1981) was a Spanish guitarist, composer, teacher and music critic, born in Burgos. His musical studies took him to San Sebastián, Bilbao and Madrid, and his international performing career included tours of Europe and South America.

Appointed professor of guitar at the Madrid Royal Conservatory in 1935, he played an important part in establishing the instrument within Spanish musical institutions. Joaquín Rodrigo dedicated the Concierto de Aranjuez to him, and he gave its premiere in Barcelona in 1940. His own compositions draw on Spanish dance and song traditions, including the Petenera and Zapateado recorded by Marco Taio. He also wrote about the guitar and its history, and became a member of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando.